Obituary

McLaren Elizabeth Grimes, age 5, went to play with the angels on July 25, 2026 with her parents by her side. A memorial service in her honour will be held on Saturday August 22, at the Larkspur Conservation at 10am. Please wear clothing you can hike in for the natural burial.

McLaren (or Mac, Tooti, Chickorita, Macaroni, as she was lovingly called by her family) was born to Stevie Annettee Pietz and James Anthony Grimes on February 17, 2021 in San Luis Obispo, CA. Her arrival was much anticipated and widely celebrated by her extended family. She was loved before she ever drew breath. When her family moved to Tennessee, Mac took to country living with gusto! A princess of the outdoors, she loved being in nature whether she was hunting for critters, going for a hike with her family, or sharing nature facts. Mac’s wild and sweet nature blossomed in the Chattanooga valley. Her outgoing and sunshiny nature brought people in, making new friends and holding impromptu dance parties wherever she happened to be.

Mac was diagnosed in October of 2025 with DMG (Diffuse Midline Glioma), a rare and very aggressive form of brain cancer. She was a little warrior fighting a war much bigger than any child should have to deal with. Throughout the whole affair, an army of people stood by her side, hoping, praying and helping however they could to support McLaren and her parents. For 10 months she held the line in a fight, and we are so proud of her strength and courage to continue. May she have peace and rest now.

She is remembered and loved by her parents, Stevie and Jimmy. Grandparents Heather Serna, Yolanda Grimes, Jim Grimes, great-grandparents Rachel and Craig Pietz as well as a host of aunts, uncles and extended family and friends.

Watching over her at the playgrounds in heaven are her great-grandparents Karen and Clifford Bryan, grandparents Elizabeth and Oran Perry Jr. Northrip, Leona Grimes, Juanita Montero and Antonio Cueva.

McLaren’s family finds comfort knowing that she will spend eternity resting in a place that reflects the love she had for the natural world - a conservation dedicated to preserving the beauty and life of the Earth she cherished so deeply.

Though her time with us was far too short, McLaren’s love, curiosity, laughter, and wild-hearted spirit will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.